Welcome
editor’s letter
In the past few weeks we’ve seen the launch of a new draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which contains a couple of useful nuggets for those of us keen to self-build. First up is a subtle change in definition; the NPPF now states councils should consider the needs of people ‘wishing to commission or build their own homes’ when setting out their planning policies.
That word ‘commission’ is a welcome addition. I’d estimate that less than 10% of selfbuilders actually carry out significant works themselves; most will leave things to the professionals and – if they want to get involved – take on the project management. Ultimately, as Build It has been pointing out for many years (see www.self-build.co.uk/what-self-build), the journey is really about people being able to specify every detail that goes into their schemes. Self-builders want to create high-quality homes that suit their lifestyle and give them maximum value for money. It’s this control that sets this route apart from buying a ready-made, off -plan house from a big developer.